Sam R. Hall: Can Musgrove be a winner again?

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove probably doesn't strike too many people in Mississippi as the guy who can lead a resurgence of the Democratic Party in the South.

He lost his bid for re-election to Haley Barbour, who at the time was more "fat-cat lobbyist" than the hard-nosed chief executive he would successfully rebrand himself as over two terms as governor.

Many Democrats blame only Musgrove for the loss. When Election Day rolled around, there was more than $1 million left in his campaign fund - something many took as confirmation that he didn't feel confident he could win. Their first indication was Musgrove's flirtation with the presidency of Delta State University during the early months of the campaign. Clearly two things a sitting governor doesn't do when winning re-election is his only goal.

Then there was the 2008 U.S. Senate race, which Musgrove lost to newly appointed Sen. Roger Wicker of Tupelo. Musgrove was the favorite of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, but back home the financial base of the Democratic Party was deeply divided over whether to support him.

Musgrove lost the support of the trial lawyer community when, as governor, he called a special session to pass the first round of tort reform in Mississippi. It was egregious enough to trial lawyers that he supported tort reform; it was almost unforgivable that he called a special session to pass it. And while trial lawyers held their collective noses and supported Musgrove for re-election, their support was nearly non-existent during his Senate race.

Following his U.S. Senate defeat - which saw a record number of Democratic voters turnout - Musgrove's political future has seemed all but over. He was a non-player in 2011, even from the standpoint of raising money for candidates.

So what gives?

For one, Musgrove has maintained his national profile even if he's largely ignored it here at home. He's written regular columns for national publications and websites. He's been a regular figure in D.C. for political events and efforts.

Too, the timing is right. Musgrove still has relationships with Clinton confidants, and with a Hillary Clinton run for president looking inevitable, Musgrove could very well be maneuvering himself into position to capitalize.

One look at the two operatives Musgrove chose for Southern Progress Fund certainly indicates as much.

Amanda Crumley is executive director of Southern Progress Fund. Joining her as the PAC's political director is George Shelton, who has deep roots in Southern politics. Both served in the Clinton White House.

The Southern Progress Fund's first objective is 2014 state-level races in Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia. All three states will have tight races, so Democrats could pull big wins. If Musgrove can be a part of building a successful strategy, then his political stock will rise.

What that means for 2015 and Democrats here is unclear. While Democrats would be hard pressed to turn away someone who could raise national money to help them win legislative races, they would be even harder pressed to find too many Democratic leaders who trust Musgrove would actually deliver.

Musgrove's level of involvement in Mississippi will be directly related to how much he feels Mississippi Democrats getting a big win will help or hurt his chances to be a player in 2016. There will be more than enough presidential efforts to keep Southern Progress Fund busy.

A clearly possible scenario would find Musgrove's political star on the rise in 2015 and him involved someway with a Clinton presidential run.

Ironically, both Musgrove and many Mississippi Democratic leaders would likely be fine with such an arrangement.

But people love winners. If Musgrove becomes a winner again, who knows how many friends he'll reclaim.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Email this article

Sam R. Hall: Can Musgrove be a winner again?

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove probably doesn't strike too many people in Mississippi as the guy who can lead a resurgence of the Democratic Party in the South.